Electric Car Charger for Your Home
Electric vehicles – plug-in hybrid EVs and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) continue to grow in popularity. Some consumers are enticed by cost savings associated with fewer trips to the gas station, others want to be kinder to the environment by driving a vehicle that emits zero tailpipe emissions.
Understanding Electric Vehicle Charging Station Levels
Level 1 EV Charger: The slowest but practical residential charging solution is a Level 1 charger cord, usually provided with the purchase of an electric vehicle. It can be plugged directly into a standard 120V outlet. We recommend installing a dedicated circuit from your panel to the charging location for safety and to avoid electrical issues.
Level 2 EV Charger: Found in public spaces like parking lots, hotels, and stores, the Level 2 charger operates at 240V and offers faster charging than Level 1. Many drivers prefer having an L2 charger installed in their garage for quicker at-home charging.
Level 3 EV Charger: Also known as Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC), Level 3 charging stations use DC power and are the fastest available. They are mainly found in commercial or industrial settings due to their high cost and power draw. Not note, not all electric vehicles are compatible with Level 3 chargers.
Fast
Advancements in charging technology and infrastructure have led to more powerful home chargers, allowing Maryland EV owners to recharge their vehicles conveniently and rapidly at home.
Affordable
Governments and utility companies in many Maryland offer incentives, rebates, or tax credits to homeowners who install EV chargers, making them more financially accessible.
Convenient
Home EV chargers provide the flexibility of charging an electric vehicle anytime, eliminating the need to visit public charging stations, saving time and effort. Owners can simply plug in their EVs overnight or during idle periods, ensuring a full battery each morning.
EV Charger FAQ
Do electric vehicles have a limited range for longer trips?
Most electric vehicles lend themselves to short drives, but longer hauls like a weekend getaway require recharging the batteries to keep going (and make it back home). If you plan a trip outside the Baltimore area, a little accessible planning will help your trip run smoothly. To accommodate electric car needs, cities and most small towns have commercial EV charging stations. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fueling Station Locator is a helpful resource for nearby electric charging stations in the U.S. or Canada.
Do electric vehicles have a limited range for longer trips?
Most electric vehicles lend themselves to short drives, but longer hauls like a weekend getaway require recharging the batteries to keep going (and make it back home). If you plan a trip outside the Baltimore area, a little accessible planning will help your trip run smoothly. To accommodate electric car needs, cities and most small towns have commercial EV charging stations. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fueling Station Locator is a helpful resource for nearby electric charging stations in the U.S. or Canada.
Where do I charge my EV, hybrid or converted electric car?
If you are charging your vehicle away from home, there are many Level 2 and Level 3 charging stations in Baltimore and the surrounding areas, and many of these public charging stations are free. Alternatively, you can charge your car at home by installing a Level 2 home EV charging station or by simply adding an outlet with a dedicated circuit from your panel to where you would like to charge your car.